Aly Raisman discusses Week 6 on ‘Dancing With the Stars’

The Times has gymnast Aly Raisman, a two-time Olympic gold medalist at the London Games, guest-blogging while she competes on “Dancing With the Stars.” Each week while she competes on the show, Raisman will answer a few questions from Sports Now editor Houston Mitchell and give some insight into the competition. Here are Raisman’s thoughts about Week 6, which she offered via email.

Q. You had to learn two dances this week, a solo dance and a team dance. So, the basic question is: Do you get any sleep at all?

It was definitely a stressful week having to worry about two dances. It was a bit overwhelming, and being an athlete I am a perfectionist so I had to remind myself to just relax and have fun! I enjoyed myself so much on Monday, especially in that group Samba Dance. We all went out there and just had a blast -- it was so fun to dress up like a ‘70s girl!

Q. How much input do you have into picking out the outfit you will wear?

Mark Ballas and the design team come up with the idea because they know which looks and colors go best with each dance. They always ask for my input and make sure I feel comfortable! I love all of Mark’s ideas, and the costume team is absolutely amazing.

Q. You are understandably still somewhat distracted by the events in Boston, but it looked like Mark did his best to try to lift your spirits all week. How hard is it to set your emotions aside and focus on dancing?

It’s definitely hard. Part of doing this show is learning to act while you are performing; however, I am not an actress. I am a very easily read person. Mark could definitely tell I was sad this week and just not myself. I was watching the news and calling friends and family at home to make sure everyone was OK. Mark always makes me laugh and makes me feel confident. He is not only an amazing dancer and teacher, but also a best friend. I am so lucky to have him. Meeting him has definitely changed my life in a great way!

Q. Tell us a little about results night. How stressful is that hour, waiting to learn if you are safe or not?

Results night is never any fun. It’s so terrible that someone has to go home each week. We’ve all gotten to be so close! It is so nerve racking to have the spotlight on us while we are waiting to hear whether we are safe or not!

You can follow Aly Raisman on Twitter at @aly raisman.

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